This week Iceland’s Sigur Rós released their seventh album of ambient, ethereal post-rock—an album that they describe as “more aggressive” than their previous records.

Whereas their previous material was whimsical, optimistic, and even child-like in nature, this new album finds the band doing what they do best—creating cinematic, atmospheric soundscapes—it’s just that these soundscapes are more direct, darker, and in some cases, even have a pop sensibility to them.

On this weeks Artist of the Week station we take a look at the musical DNA of Sigur Rós – from their forebearers like Brian Eno and Cocteau Twins, fellow Icelanders like Bjork and mum, kindred spirits like Boards of Canada and The Album Leaf, and their side projects and collaborations.

There is an early contender for this year’s summer anthem–and it comes to us from Grouplove.

After breaking out in 2011 with songs like “Tongue Tied” and ‘Colours”, nabbing a few soundtrack spots in hit TV shows like “Don’t Say Oh Well” in Vampire Diaries, they are back with the first single from their new record, “Spreading Rumours,” which drops on September 17.

Hear “Ways To Go” and more future-hits on Slacker;s New Alternative First and keep an eye out for more from Grouplove because we are hooked!

There is nothing better than personal music recommendations from people you trust- unless of course that person happens to be a famous musician.

Our new series “I Am the DJ” gives a glimpse into the music collection of some of our favorite artists as they showcase their favorite songs, biggest influences and specialized playlists. To debut the series, Slacker sat down with Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz to build an entire radio station comprised of his favorite songs.

Adam put together an audio journey through his influences and the emerging acts that he so passionately embraces on his Outlaw Roadshow project. From Phoenix and Delta Kids to Pixies classics and even Naughty by Nature – the station is, much like Adam, an eclectic mix of various styles that mesh together perfectly.

This week, self-described “frappers” The Lonely Island release their second album of what can best be described as “comedy-rap”. Akiva, Jorma, and Andy have produced an album as crass, taboo, and hilarious as you might imagine- featuring songs like “Diaper Money”, “Spring Break Anthem”, “YOLO”- which was featured as a digital short on SNL, and other tracks with titles I can’t repeat here.

On this station you’ll hear the comedic lineage of the Lonely Island- from influences like Adam Sandler and Monty Python to their comedy brethren like Tenacious D and Flight of the Conchords. You’ll also hear tracks from the stars that have been good enough sports to appear on their albums and videos—like Justin Timberlake, Akon, and even Michael Bolton. The Lonely Island is Slacker’s Artist of the Week.

At this point, Queens of the Stone Age is a project of Josh Homme and friends. From his stoner-rock beginnings in California’s Mojave Desert to his current status as a swaggering rock icon and sought-after guest star on numerous other projects, the Queens remain his most consistent outlet and output.

This week, Queens of the Stone Age release their 6th album—called “Like Clockwork.” It’s their first album since 2007; Dave Grohl played drums on 6 of the tracks, and the album includes guest appearances from Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner, Trent Reznor, and even Elton John.

On this week’s Artist of the Week station, you’ll hear tracks from “…Like Clockwork”, along with a look at the music DNA of Josh Homme and Queens of the Stone Age- the artists they draw inspiration from and the many musicians that are directly influenced by their work.

Since their 2009 breakthrough album, Union, you’ve probably heard their music in movies, TV shows and commercials. Their brand of atmospheric alternative rock is pushed to greater heights on the new album.

The Kings Of Leon played a brand-new song during their set at the Bottle Rock festival in Napa, California this weekend. The track is called “It Don’t Matter,” though many YouTubers are calling it “Always the Same.”

Frontman Caleb Followill booms on the song’s catchy chorus of this uptempo rocker that is reminiscent of Queens Of The Stone Age. There’s even a guitar solo! Bassist Jared Followill recently said of KoL’s upcoming sixth album, planned for a September release, “I thought we were going to make a really mature album, but I’m amazed how youthful it sounds.”

We are told that the new KOL record drops in September, and they’ll be on the festival circuit until then. Their next show is at Hangout Music Festival this Friday and after that the group has nothing scheduled until New York’s Governors Ball Music Festival in June.

Two of the American festival season’s biggest events revealed stacked lineups full of top tier artists and expansions to make room for more people – proving that music addicts’ favorite time of year keeps getting bigger and better.

Austin City Limits Reveal Lineup and Additional Weekend

Festival favorite Austin City Limits revealed a fully loaded lineup as the organizers announce the expansion to two weekends in 2013. Muse, Kings of Leon, Phoenix, Atoms for Peace, Vampire Weekend, Wilco, Depeche Mode, the Cure, and Lionel Richie top the lengthy bill for ACL ’13, set for October 4-6 and 11-13 in Austin’s Zilker Park.

Fun., Kendrick Lamar, The National, Passion Pit, Jimmy Eat World, D’Angelo and Franz Ferdinand are also on the lineup along with some country acts like Eric Church and EDM favoite Kaskade.

Did we mention the lineup was loaded? ACL ‘13 will feature over 120 bands from genres across the board each weekend.

For Dance Music Fans – EDC Lineup Has Something for Everyone

Rarely does a festival inspire so much loyalty and faith that it completely sells out even before the lineup is revealed but such is the case for America’s largest music festival- Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). The lineup, revealed just a month shy of the dance music centered festival, makes it easy to see why. With a roster that is almost overwhelming to look at- the question is not, “Who is playing at EDC?”, but rather, “Who isn’t?”.

For the nearly 350,000 fans of electronic music that attend the massive festival, taking place June 21-23- there is something to satisfy everyone. Trance addicts can relish in Armin Van Buuren, Dash Berlin, Above & Beyond, Ferry Corsten, and Gareth Emery to name a few. Popular EDM acts Avicii, Benny Benassi, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Tiesto and Steve Angello are on the bill. Veteran favorites such as Jacques Lu Cont, John Digweed, Eric Prydz, and Pete Tong will be there. From electro house to disco to live electronic acts such as Empire of the Sun – EDC will feature over 500 “creators” over three days in Las Vegas, Nevada. Check out the full lineup below.